On the first day of class I commented about the MP3 player I own but never use. My thoughts were, "Here we go again, another fad I will not use." I was skeptical yet excited about receiving an iTouch. Well, I am wowed, impressed, and hooked. Being "forced" to "play" with the iTouch has broadened my appreciation for modern technology.
In the classroom I have earned acceptance from my students. One day a student asked her peers for an iPod charger. Not one peer could produce one. Then I piped up, "I have one." Shock was the common theme in the classroom. The student replied, "You are the last person I thought would have a charger." As students use their iPhones, iPods, and iTouches I accept this technology and do not frown upon it. Professionally, I can see myself using applications to capture students' attention and make learning fun. Secondly, the use of podcasts created by others is a quick and efficient way to enhance learning. For example, the CNN Student News podcast is a quality podcast designed for students. What a perfect way to keep students' educated about current events. Finally, I also plan on creating podcasts for my Work Experience Career Exploration Program students. Since I have students who may add my class at any time during the school year and have students who are frequently absent, podcasts become an efficient teaching tool for those students. Since the student teacher ratio is 12:1 in my at-risk program, I do not always have the time to repeat verbal instructions that were originally given perhaps two weeks ago. However, with recorded podcasts, a student who is new to my class or has been absent can listen to my verbal instructions while I am working with other students.
Personally, the iTouch is fun and informational. I have downloaded free applications which I enjoy. My goal is to continue exploring the applications and find a few I would be willing to purchase. I would like to build a music library with the iTouch. I have found the downloading of music from my CDs to be something I can handle. As with the applications, I would like to find music to purchase. Finally, I find the use of Audacity, MovieMaker, and PhotoStory to be enjoyable and they hold so much potential for all types of projects. My goal this summer is to create a movie with pictures, music, and voice overs from my family members for my sister's birthday. She will turn 50 in September. Wish me luck.
On the first day of class I commented about the MP3 player I own but never use. My thoughts were, "Here we go again, another fad I will not use." I was skeptical yet excited about receiving an iTouch. Well, I am wowed, impressed, and hooked. Being "forced" to "play" with the iTouch has broadened my appreciation for modern technology.
In the classroom I have earned acceptance from my students. One day a student asked her peers for an iPod charger. Not one peer could produce one. Then I piped up, "I have one." Shock was the common theme in the classroom. The student replied, "You are the last person I thought would have a charger." As students use their iPhones, iPods, and iTouches I accept this technology and do not frown upon it. Professionally, I can see myself using applications to capture students' attention and make learning fun. Secondly, the use of podcasts created by others is a quick and efficient way to enhance learning. For example, the CNN Student News podcast is a quality podcast designed for students. What a perfect way to keep students' educated about current events. Finally, I also plan on creating podcasts for my Work Experience Career Exploration Program students. Since I have students who may add my class at any time during the school year and have students who are frequently absent, podcasts become an efficient teaching tool for those students. Since the student teacher ratio is 12:1 in my at-risk program, I do not always have the time to repeat verbal instructions that were originally given perhaps two weeks ago. However, with recorded podcasts, a student who is new to my class or has been absent can listen to my verbal instructions while I am working with other students.
Personally, the iTouch is fun and informational. I have downloaded free applications which I enjoy. My goal is to continue exploring the applications and find a few I would be willing to purchase. I would like to build a music library with the iTouch. I have found the downloading of music from my CDs to be something I can handle. As with the applications, I would like to find music to purchase. Finally, I find the use of Audacity, MovieMaker, and PhotoStory to be enjoyable and they hold so much potential for all types of projects. My goal this summer is to create a movie with pictures, music, and voice overs from my family members for my sister's birthday. She will turn 50 in September. Wish me luck.